Mysterious Britain & Ireland

Country and County: Wales

Apparitions / Hauntings

Margam Castle

Though referred to as a castle, Margam is actually a large Grade I listed Victorian mansion built for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot for his family between 1830 and 1840. The house passed from the Talbot family when it was sold to Sir David Evans Bevan of the Vale of Neath Brewery, in 1941.

Folklore

Glyndwr’s Oak

According to the National Gazetteer of Great Britain & Ireland 1868, Newcastle is described as ‘a hamlet…..where are the remains of an ancient castle and an oak said to have been planted by Owain Glyndwr.’ It is said the locals considered the oak to be possessed by evil spirits who harmed anyone that damaged the tree in any way.

Hauntings / Legends

Hollow Demon Oak

A tree known as Derwen Ceubren yr Ellyl (hollow tree of the demons/spirits) used to stand in Nannau Park and it had a reputation of being haunted and evil, for this is the tree in which Owain Glyndwr was, according to legend, supposed to have hidden the body of his cousin Hywel Sele, 8th Lord of Nannau after he had killed him in 1404.

Apparitions / Haunted Hotels / Haunted Pubs / Hauntings

The Brigands Inn

The 15th century Brigands Inn is reputedly haunted by an unidentified female apparition who has apparently been witnessed several times. This family run renovated coaching inn dating from 1488, acquired its name from the buildings association with the Mawddy Bandits or Red Bandits or the ‘red haired thieves of Mawddwy’ who were active in this region during the 16th century.

Cryptozoology

Cefn Cave Crocodile

There is a tradition that a local man found a crocodile in Cefn Caves, which was a popular visitor attraction. This supposedly occurred near the end of the nineteenth century (approx 1870) and upon discovering the creature he managed to kill it.

Aquatic Monsters / Cryptozoology

Mawddach Sea Monster

During the last twentieth century there have been a few experiences that have led to suggestions that the Mawddach Estuary at Barmouth may be the home of a sea monster. According to Mysterious Wales by Chris Barber a local woman claimed to have found four large footprints in the sand, described as being ‘as big as an elephant’s’.

Ancient Sites / Early Christianity / Wells

Holy Well of St Winifred

The healing waters of St Winifred’s (Winifride) Holy Well have attracted pilgrims for over 1300 years and the crypt in which the well lies was stacked with crutches left by the cured invalids until some time in the 1960’s, though can still be seen on display.

Ancient Sites / Stone Circles

Ysbyty Cynfyn Church

Three miles from Devil’s Bridge is the 19th century Ysbyty Cynfyn Church, which stands in the remains of a stone circle. Two of the stones now act as posts for the gate leading into the churchyard. Another two are set into the church wall itself. The tallest of the stones is in the North of the churchyard and stands 3.4m high.